Search called off

NEW BERLIN – Conflicting reports concerning a possible search for a missing Town of New Berlin woman have led to confusion among local residents willing to lend a helping hand more than five weeks after she was last seen.

A pair of Facebook pages dedicated to the missing woman – Jennifer L. Ramsaran, 36, a wife and mother of three – have both addressed the possible search, further confusing the issue. The first, facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-L-Ramsaran-Missing-Person/116018661901063, was created by friends of the Ramsaran family, according to Jennifer’s husband, Ganesh Remy Ramsaran, and has gathered more than 1,000 likes. The second, facebook.com/JenniferRamsaranHelpFindHer, was created by an unknown source, said Ramsaran, who first reported his wife missing the night of Dec. 11. That page has garnered 225 likes.

As of press time today, however, the second site, which had first reported the possible search, posted the following: “Out of respect for Jennifer's sister and her parents, as well as that of Law Enforcement, we are going to cancel any and all search efforts planned for this weekend. It has been brought to our attention that any searches could impede the ongoing investigation.”

The “official” Facebook page, meanwhile, posted Thursday afternoon that a search was planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. That post, according to Ramsaran’s husband, is in the process of being taken down, and no search is planned for this weekend.

“I am not against any searches, that’s the bottom line, but people should work with the authorities,” stated Ramsaran. “Please, out of respect for my children, please do not put rumors out there. I have been working with the Sheriff’s Office, they are the professionals, they are the ones with training and I have been in constant contact with them. I have no issues with a search as long as it is aligned with law enforcement.”

Chenango County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Richard Cobb, who is handling the investigation, said while authorities appreciate the interest shown by local residents in helping to find Ramsaran, they will not endorse any search by civilians.

Stated Cobb, “If there is any reason to search an area we would have already searched there or will be searching there. Our greatest concerns with untrained civilians doing this on their own are their safety and the impact they could have on any evidence, if any were found.”

Authorities, of course, have both the proper training and equipment to conduct searches of this kind, he added, while many civilians do not. As for Sunday’s on again, off again search, Cobb said, “As far as I know, there is no search going on this weekend.”

Jennifer Ramsaran’s cell phone was located by her husband on Dec. 12 near state Route 23 and Moon Hill Road in the Town of Plymouth, while her 2006 Chrysler Town and Country minivan was discovered by her father, Thomas Renz, at Plank Road Manor, Plymouth Street, in the City of Norwich. According to authorities, there has been no contact with Mrs. Ramsaran, and zero activity on any of her social or financial online accounts. She is described by authorities as a white female, approximately 5’5” and 170 lbs. She has brown hair and blue eyes, although it has been reported that she may have changed her hair color at some point prior to her disappearance. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a purple and white sweater and a black jacket. Anybody with any information on Ramsaran’s whereabouts should contact the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office 334-2000.